(EMI) EMI Music has appointed iconic, multi-media superstar Snoop Dogg to the new position of Creative Chairman of its famed Priority Records Label, where he will apply the same unique, creative and business savvy that established him as one of the most successful stars in Hip-Hop and helped define West Coast Rap as a major musical genre to develop great music for new and existing fans. Snoop Dogg will also release a new studio album for Priority that EMI will bring to fans around the world.Snoop Dogg, a true global superstar who has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and who has also become a beloved film and television personality, will release "Malice N Wonderland," his tenth studio album, this December. "Malice N Wonderland" will have production and mixing by The Dream, Christopher 'Tricky' Stewart, Dr. Dre, Pharrell, Danja, Nottz, and will feature Soulja Boy, Lil Jon, R. Kelly, The Dream, Brandy and Jazmine Sullivan.
As Creative Chairman of Priority, the label that established West Coast Rap as an influential musical force, Snoop will re-launch the legacy of Priority and will drive efforts to maximize untapped digital and branding opportunities at the label. He will also serve as Executive Producer for a new series of Priority releases slated to begin hitting the market next year to commemorate the label's 25th anniversary. Priority's genre-defining catalog includes classic recordings by Snoop, as well as from N.W.A, Eazy-E, Master P, Ice Cube, Westside Connection, EPMD and others.
Ted Chung, Snoop's long-time creative associate and manager at Stampede Management, will become Brand Strategist at Priority. "Snoop's success is a result of constant evolution and trend-setting creativity," said Chung. "EMI is ahead of the curve for tapping into that formula of success in its strategy."
"Starting fresh with EMI is a great feeling. It's a new partnership, a new Priority Records, and a new Snoop Dogg: the Creative Chairman...the Boss Dogg...the Dogg Father," said Snoop. "The business model we've developed will bring the musical heritage of groups like N.W.A. to the forefront. And you definitely got to get ready for my new album "Malice N Wonderland" in December to kick it all off -- this is going to be the most potent dose of Snoop Dogg yet!"
"The world knows and loves Snoop as a unique and undeniably influential artist. His innate understanding of the urban music scene and his ability to strike a chord with fans, time and again are why he has built a successful career," said Nick Gatfield, President, New Music for EMI Music in North America, UK & Ireland. "EMI's mission is to truly understand and serve music fans around the world, and we recognize that Snoop is a creative talent who 'gets' his fan base and recognizes great music and entertainment trends. We join with millions of fans around the world in anticipation of a new Snoop album and the other exciting projects that Snoop will drive at Priority."
"Snoop has been a huge force in Rap and a big influence on the Urban genre in general," said Leonard Brooks, Senior Vice President of Urban A&R for EMI Music in the US. "In addition to possessing an original artistic voice, Snoop is also a true tastemaker, trendsetter of style and a global ambassador of Hip-Hop. We're elated to release his next record, and to have Snoop re-introduce some of the most ground-breaking Rap recordings to new fans as Creative Chairman of Priority Records."
"We're excited to have such a talented artist and urban music legend like Snoop at Priority. We look forward to working with him to showcase this legendary label's music to a new generation of fans," says Bill Gagnon, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EMI Music North America's Catalog division. "Snoop is the ideal cultural and musical visionary to join our team as we celebrate Priority's 25th anniversary and take this pioneering label into the future."
